The phase model for offshore field exploration and development

1 The phase model for offshore field exploration and development 

A project division within Norskoil carries out project work. At the first decision gate (DGl), the market organisation of Norskoil, i.e. the client, commissions the project division to start up project work. Before-hand, the client has made the necessary initial evaluations of the potential resource basis of oil and gas and of the market. The scope of work of the feasibility study also has to be defined. This phase aims at demonstrating whether it is technically and economically feasible to develop the field. The project team establishes detailed reservoir models in order to assess the oil and gas reserves and to establish production rates over the field s expected lifespan (production profiles). In parallel, the project evaluates different field-development concepts such as fixed platforms, floating platforms and subsea developments for tie-in to existing platforms in the area. This evaluation is based on information about existing infrastructure, water depth, reservoir models, etc. The activities are documented in a Report of Commerciality. 

Provided that field development is judged to be feasible, one development alternative is selected and further matured in the Concept study phase. The aim is to provide an adequate decision basis for investment approval to be made by the board of directors. The aims of the SHE activities in the first two phases are to ensure that the selected concept is feasible with respect to SHE and that the authorities and Norskoil s SHE goals and requirements are met in a cost-efficient way. It is not necessary to choose the best concept from a SHE point of view, but the rationale for making the selection has to be documented. 

Norskoil decides to select a semi-snbmersible platform concept for further development of the Ymer field. At the second decision gate (DG2), Norskoil s board of directors makes the project go decision. To pass this gate, the investment plan has to show adeqnate profitability. This impHes that the capital and operational expenditures as well as the revenues from production of oil and gas are known with adequate certainty. It is here necessary that the project s scope has been adequately defined. The platform concept and the subsea and pipeline installations must be defined at an adequate level of detail. 

The basic aim of the main study phase is to develop the necessary basis for government approval and for the main contracts. The project matnres the concept further and establishes a contractual strategy, technical specifications and other tender documents. A Plan for the development and operation of the installation and an Environmental Impact statement are developed and transmitted to the authorities. They are based on input from different SHE studies, including a coarse Risk and Emergency Preparedness Analysis (REPA). A primary aim is to provide input to the documentation required by the authorities. The different SHE analyses 

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